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Business Growth Fund

Europe, England, United Kingdom, London

Description

Business Growth Fund (BGF) stands as a prominent and highly active investor in small and mid-sized businesses across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Established in 2011, BGF was initially founded with the backing of major UK banks, including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, and Standard Chartered, to address the funding gap for growing companies. Its unique model focuses on providing patient, long-term capital to established businesses seeking to expand, innovate, or undertake strategic acquisitions, positioning itself as a crucial enabler of economic growth within its target markets.

BGF primarily makes minority equity investments, typically ranging from $1.27 million (£1 million) to $19.05 million (£15 million) in exchange for a stake in the business. This approach allows existing management teams to retain control while benefiting from BGF's financial backing and strategic support. The fund is sector-agnostic, investing in a diverse range of industries, from technology and manufacturing to consumer goods and healthcare. Its investment philosophy emphasizes partnership, aiming to work collaboratively with founders and management to achieve their growth ambitions rather than seeking immediate exits.

Since its inception, BGF has demonstrated significant scale and impact, deploying over $4.45 billion (£3.5 billion) across more than 500 companies. This makes it one of the most prolific growth capital investors in the UK. Beyond capital, BGF offers its portfolio companies access to an extensive network of entrepreneurs, non-executive directors, and sector specialists, providing valuable operational guidance and strategic insights. Its commitment to supporting the long-term development of businesses underscores its role as a key player in the European venture and growth capital landscape.

Investor Profile

Business Growth Fund has backed more than 469 startups, with 31 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 392 rounds, about 84% of its total and boasts 85 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Series Unknown, Private Equity, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United Kingdom, Ireland, United States.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, Manufacturing, Information Technology.
  • Led 25 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $1.3M – $19.1M.

Stage Focus

  • Series Unknown (62%)
  • Private Equity (12%)
  • Series A (9%)
  • Seed (6%)
  • Series B (4%)
  • Post Ipo Equity (2%)
  • Debt Financing (1%)
  • Series C (1%)

Country Focus

  • United Kingdom (92%)
  • Ireland (3%)
  • United States (2%)
  • Canada (1%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • Manufacturing
  • Information Technology
  • Health Care
  • E-commerce
  • Consulting
  • Retail
  • Food And Beverage
  • Biotechnology
  • Energy
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Business Growth Fund frequently co-invest with?

24 Haymarket
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 4
Longwall Venture
Europe, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, Harwell
Co-Investments: 4
Barclays Corporate Banking
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 6
HSBC
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 5
Downing Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 7
Kindred Capital
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 7
Octopus Ventures
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 8
Parkwalk Advisors
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 13
LocalGlobe
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 4
Notion Capital
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 4

Which angels does Business Growth Fund often collaborate with?

JB
Europe, Manchester, United Kingdom, Manchester
Shared Deals: 1
MK
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
Shared Deals: 1
PH
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 2
PM
Europe, Manchester, United Kingdom
Shared Deals: 1
TH
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
BW
Europe, Coventry, United Kingdom, Coventry
Shared Deals: 1
CS
North America, Washington, United States, Kirkland
Shared Deals: 2
AP
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Shared Deals: 1
JM
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Cambridge
Shared Deals: 3

What are some of recent deals done by Business Growth Fund?

Opus Safety

London, England, United Kingdom

Opus Safety is a software developer specialises in safety management and risk assessments.

ConsultingRisk ManagementSoftware
Series UnknownJul 16, 2025
Rapidrop Global

Peterborough, Peterborough, United Kingdom

Rapidrop Global is a manufacturer and distributor of fire protection and sprinkler heads equipment.

IndustrialIndustrial EngineeringManufacturing
Series UnknownJul 9, 2025
PMC

Abingdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

PMC is Retail IT Services and Solutions provider, trusted by top UK retailers to advise on, run and transform Retail IT.

E-CommerceInformation TechnologyIT ManagementRetail
Series UnknownJun 17, 2025
Ceryx Medical

Bath, Bath and North East Somerset, United Kingdom

Ceryx Medical is developing bioelectronics based on unique, patent protected, chip technology.

Health CareMedical Device
Series UnknownJun 11, 2025
Amount Raised: $6,736,465
Cronofy

Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom

Scheduling technology for high performance teams

Developer APIsSoftware
Series UnknownMay 13, 2025
Amount Raised: $19,960,797
Phlux Technology

Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom

Phlux is a photonics company developing innovative light detector and imaging systems.

ElectronicsManufacturingSemiconductor
Series AMar 31, 2025
Amount Raised: $11,618,330
Maxion Therapeutics

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Maxion Therapeutics helps in learning transformative therapies.

Information TechnologyTherapeutics
Series AMar 17, 2025
Amount Raised: $75,016,620
OCL Vision

London, England, United Kingdom

OCL Vision is an eye treatment center that offers cataract and lens replacement surgery services.

Health CareMedicalPersonal Health
Series UnknownMar 3, 2025
OrganOx

Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

OrganOx is a medical technology company.

Health CareMedicalMedical Device
Series UnknownFeb 24, 2025
Amount Raised: $142,000,000
Paperchase Accountancy

Croydon, Croydon, United Kingdom

Paperchase Accountancy specializes in providing accountancy services for the hospitality and restaurant sectors.

AccountingHospitalityRestaurants
Private EquityFeb 13, 2025